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If you're serious about your music and its sound quality, good news. With the Bluesound system you can play your high-resolution music files and enjoy the convenience of wireless multi-room audio throughout your home. Bluesound was designed by the makers of NAD electronics and PSB speakers, both experts when it comes to delivering high-performance audio.

Wireless music for the audio enthusiast

If you're serious about your music and its sound quality, good news. With the Bluesound system you can play your high-resolution music files and enjoy the convenience of wireless multi-room audio throughout your home. Bluesound was designed by the makers of NAD electronics and PSB speakers, both experts when it comes to delivering high-performance audio.

Get more from your high-performance audio system

The Node 2 turns your audiophile-grade audio system into a network-capable Bluesound player. Connect the Node 2's analog or digital outputs to your existing receiver or amplifier to make it part of your multi-room Bluesound wireless system. Stream music stored on your home network, Internet radio stations, or online music services, and play it all through your home audio system.

A universe of music options

Bluesound is compatible with virtually all digital music formats — including high-resolution files up to 24-bit/192kHz. Access the music stored on your computer or a networked hard drive. Stream from Internet radio stations and online services like Spotify®, Rhapsody, and TIDAL. You can also enjoy downloads from high-res music sites such as HDtracks. The player is compatible with MQA, an up-and-coming high-resolution audio format. The Node 2 also features a USB input for playing files "locally" from a thumb drive or hard drive — ideal when friends come over with their own music.

High-quality Bluetooth

The Node 2 features aptX® audio coding, an advanced form of Bluetooth that allows higher-fidelity sound with compatible Bluetooth devices. The system is backwards-compatible with earlier forms of Bluetooth, too. Bluetooth is a convenient way to play the sound from any app you might be using on your mobile device, including Netflix® and YouTube™. You can even share that Bluetooth source with other Bluesound music players around your house that are connected to the same network.

Control the system through Bluesound's free app for your smartphone or tablet.

Create a high-resolution multi-room music system

Pulse Mini: This compact, all-in-one speaker system is ideal for a bookshelf, desk, or nightstand.

Powernode 2: This amplified player connects to a pair of speakers. It may be small, but it's powerful enough to drive a pair of floor-standing speakers.

Pulse 2: This all-in-one player is perfect for almost any room. It has built-in PSB speakers for great sound in a compact package.

Pulse Soundbar: Delivers powerful sound for movies and TV shows while giving you full access to music through your Bluesound network.

Vault 2: If you've amassed a large collection of CDs, then the Vault was designed for you. It's a storage drive designed with the audio enthusiast in mind. This drive defaults to bit-perfect recording of your CDs, letting you experience every detail without switching discs every time you want to hear a new track or album.

Control in the palm of your hand

The Bluesound system is easily controlled from your smartphone or tablet. Just download the free app from the Apple® App Store, or Google Play. The app lets you select songs and adjust volume. Choose to play music in one room, all rooms, or different tracks in different spaces around your home.

Product Highlights:

communicates with other Bluesound players via your home network (wired or wireless)

control the system with a free app for your smartphone, tablet, or computer (Android, iOS®, Kindle Fire, Windows®, and Mac®)

Spotify Connect lets you play Spotify's streaming music library through your Bluesound system via your smartphone or tablet (requires Spotify app and a premium subscription; firmware and app version 1.10.0 or higher)

Hands-on research

Product Research

Features

Bluesound Wireless High-Resolution Audio Eco-System: The
Node 2 zone player is part of
Bluesound's wireless high-resolution audio eco-system.
The Bluesound wireless high-resolution audio eco-system consists of music
players, amplifiers, hard-drives, and wireless speakers to playback your
high-res and low-res music files, along with your favorite online music services
throughout your home using your home's WiFi network. With an advanced WiFi
antenna design and blazing ARM Cortex9 Processors, Bluesound ensures a solid
connection in every corner of your home. Play your music in perfect sync or play
different music simultaneously to any Bluesound device in any room.

Note: Up to 16 Bluesound devices can be connected in a strictly
wireless environment. If you want to connect more than 16 Bluesound devices,
you will need to connect the Bluesound devices to your network using a wired
connection. Bluesound can then control up to 64 devices in a strictly wired
environment.

Network Music Player: The Bluesound Node 2 network music
player lets you stream digital music files on your network connected Windows or
Mac computer, plus stream select online music services and internet radio to
your existing home audio system. The Bluesound Node offers a wired or wireless
network connection, plus a USB (type-A) input. The Node connects to your home
stereo system via analog RCA or digital optical/coax. A free remote app for your
Apple iOS or Android device lets you control the Node 2 and your streamed
digital music from your mobile device.

32-Bit/192kHz DAC: The Bluesound Node 2 zone player employs a
32-bit/192kHz DAC (digital-to-analog converter) to ensure that your lossless
high-res music playback is flawless, with precision and clarity - at any volume.

Wired or Wireless Network Connection: The Bluesound Node 2 can be connected to your home network and Internet provider via a hardwired
Gigabit Ethernet (RJ-45) jack connector or wireless WiFi (802.11 b/g/n) connection. Either
network/internet connection allows you to stream music from your Windows or Mac
computer and NAS drive (such as the Bluesound Vault, sold separately); as well
as stream select online music services.

Note: Bluesound operates only on 2.4GHz WiFi (not 5GHz).

Bluesound Controller App: The
free
Bluesound Controller App turns your Apple iOS (7.0+) iPod/iPhone/iPad,
Android (OS 4.0+) smartphone/tablet, Windows (Vista higher) PC or Mac (OS X
10.7+)
computer into a full-featured remote control for the Bluesound wireless music
system. The Bluesound Controller App on your compatible device uses your home's
WiFi network to connect with Bluesound devices, so you can play all the music
you love anywhere in your home for a wireless multiroom music experience. Get
on-demand access to your music libraries on your home network, stream live
Internet radio from almost any place in the world, or listen to one of the many
music services available on Bluesound, all from the palm of your hand with the
easy-to-use Bluesound Controller App.

Supported Music Formats: The Bluesound wireless audio system supports both low-res and high-res audio
files; including MP3, AAC, WMA, OGG, FLAC, ALAC, WMA Lossless, MQA, WAV, and
AIFF. Bluesound has been designed to work with today's larger music collections,
and has indexed libraries up to 100,000 songs in demonstrated practice (this
will depend on the music's metadata & artwork). Bluesound also offers gapless
playback by default for all supported file music types.

Compression

File Type

Sampling Frequency

Bit Rate or Bit Depth

Compressed

Lossy

MP3

16-48kHz

192-320
kbps

WMA

AAC

OGG

Lossless

WMA-Lossless

up to 96 kHz

up to 24-bit

FLAC

192 kHz

up to
24-bit

ALAC

MQA

Uncompressed

AIFF

up 192 kHz

up to
24-bit

WAV

Notes: Bluesound cannot index or play AAC files with the
extension ".m4p". These files were purchased in iTunes prior to 2009 and are
subject to copy protection. Apple Consumers with an iTunes Match
subscription can delete and re-download these files free of charge from
their iTunes Cloud

MQA (Master Quality Authenticated): Bluesound is the first
wireless multiroom audio system to support MQA (Master Quality Authenticated).
MQA is a revolutionary end-to-end technology that captures and delivers master
quality audio in a file that's small enough to stream or download. Bluesound
worked closely with MQA to implement technology inside each Bluesound component
to ensure the listener will hear MQA encoded music and streams exactly like the
source and the way the artist intended you to hear it when it was approved in
the studio.

Online Music Services: With a network and internet
connection, the Node 2 lets you access select online music services &
internet radio. The Bluesound Controller app on your Apple iOS or Android device
will serve as the controller for these apps and provide song/artist information
with Album Art.

Amazon Prime: With a Prime Music subscription, you can access
over 2 million songs ad-free and on-demand, as well as curated playlists and
personalized stations. Upgrade to an
Amazon Music Unlimited subscription to access tens of millions of songs.

Spotify Connect:
If you subscribe to
Spotify Premium and have the Spotify App on your
Apple iOS or
Android smartphone, you can stream Spotify to the Bluesound system.
Spotify is a digital music service that gives you on-demand access to one of
the largest music libraries in the world (over 15 million tracks and
counting). Spotify makes it easier than ever to discover, manage, and share
music with your friends. You can browse music by artist, album, track, or
most popular; and create your own music library with customized playlists.

TIDAL:
TIDAL is a global streaming service that offers over 30 million songs in
high-fidelity CD sound quality. TIDAL has two pricing tiers; either $9.99 or
$19.99 a month. Both pricing levels allow you to access TIDAL's entire music
library. The $19.99 tier has the added benefit of high-fidelity sound at
CD-level quality

TuneIn:
The Bluesound system includes access to more than 70,000 free internet radio
streams from all corners of the globe via the TuneIn radio service. Just
select the TuneIn logo from the main Music menu and browse among the 70,000
stations neatly organized into popular categories and select a station that
appeals to your mood.

iHeart Radio:
iHeartRadio is a free, all-in-one digital radio and music streaming
service that lets you listen to thousands of live stations from across the
country and allows you to create personalized custom stations featuring
songs from the artist you select and similar music.

Napster:
Napster is a streaming music subscription service (starting a $10
per month) that allows you to play the full-length songs you choose on
demand from a collection of over 10 million songs, without ads and without
having to purchase or download the music.

Slacker:
Get the sound quality that you deserve with the new Slacker Radio® music
library available in high-quality AAC audio on Bluesound. Listen to music
streams at a bitrate of 320kbps and enjoy all your favorite Slacker stations
in pristine MP3-quality.

Note: Availability of online music services may vary by
region. Not all services may be available at time of purchase. Some services
may be added or discontinued from time to time based on decisions of the
music service providers or others.

Music Library From Your Mobile Device: From the Bluesound Controller
App, you can stream
music directly over WiFi from your Apple iOS or Android device to the Bluesound
Node 2 and the rest of your Bluesound components around your home. The app
gives you complete control of your compatible mobile device's music library with
song/artist information and album art.

Computer Audio: The Bluesound wireless music system will pull music
from an existing digital music library across the network on your Windows PC or
Mac computer using Windows or SMB File Sharing (SAMBA) and the Bluesound
Controller App for Windows & Mac.

Windows: Music files stored on a Windows desktop or laptop can be
accessed by Bluesound using Windows File Sharing. You will need to download
the Bluesound Share Utility for Windows -
Bluesound Share Utility Windows v1.6.zip. This utility will work on
Windows Vista, 7, 8 and 10.

Mac: Music files stored on an Apple iMac or MacBook can be accessed by
Bluesound using SMB File Sharing. You will need to download the Bluesound
Share Utility for OS X -
Bluesound Share Utility OSX v1.2.zip.This utility will work on any
version of Apple OS X 10.8.x and higher.

Bluetooth w/ aptX: The Bluesound Node 2 features built-in Bluetooth 4.0
with support for wireless music streaming from your Bluetooth-enabled Apple
iPod/iPhone/iPad, Android smartphone/tablet, Windows PC/Phone, Mac
computer/laptop, and more. You'll be able to stream stored music and music apps
on your Bluetooth-enabled device to the Node 2. In addition, the Node 2
offers aptX for CD-quality sound from Android (OS 4.0+) devices. You can even
distribute Bluetooth audio to the rest of your Bluesound wireless audio system
throughout your home or office over WiFi.

Inputs: The Bluesound Node 2 is fitted with a USB (type-A)
port for playback of music files stored on a mass storage class (MSC) device, as
well as a 3.5mm Aux input that serves as an analog or digital input.

USB Port: The Bluesound Node 2 features a USB (type-A) port to
directly connect your USB mass storage class (MSC) device; such as a thumbdrive
or external hard-drive. The unit's USB port supports music playback from these
compatible USB devices formatted in FAT 32 or NTFS. Not only
can USB audio be played back on the Node 2, but can also be wirelessly
distributed to the rest of your Bluesound components throughout your home for
multiroom playback. USB mass
storage devices that require more than 0.5A of power will require a separate
power supply. The USB port is not compatible with the
direct connection of an Apple iPod/iPhone/iPad or Android devices.

Optical/Analog Input: The Node 2 is fitted with a 3.5mm
Aux input which can be used as an analog or digital connection. As an analog
input, simply connect a stereo minijack audio cable from your analog source to
the Node 2's Aux input. As a digital input, use the included
3.5mm-to-Optical adapter along with an optical digital cable (sold separately)
to connect your digital source to the Node 2's Aux input. As an analog or
digital input, the unit's Aux input supports 2ch PCM audio (not Dolby Digital or
DTS). Audio from the Optical/Analog Aux input can be played back at the Node 2 and wirelessly distributed to other Bluesound components in your
home for multiroom playback.

Outputs: The Bluesound Node 2 provides analog & digital outputs to
connect to your existing home entertainment system, plus a sub out for adding a
powered sub, a headphone jack for private listening, and a trigger output for
remote activation of another component.

Analog & Digital Outputs: The Node 2 contains both
analog and digital outputs. There is an analog RCA stereo output, plus one optical (toslink) digital output
and one coax (RCA) digital output to connect the
player to your home's existing audio system.

Sub Output: The Node 2 also features a mono-RCA
subwoofer output for adding a powered sub. The sub output is full-range; you
will need to use the low-pass crossover in your powered sub.

Headphone Output: A 3.5mm headphone jack is located on the
front of the Node 2 for private listening with a set of headphones. The
Node 2's output will be muted when headphones are connected.

12V Trigger Output: The 12V trigger output (3.5mm) can be used
to control or activate other external device equipped with a corresponding 12V
trigger input.

AC Power: The Bluesound Node 2 operates off of standard
household current using its internal power supply and the included 6'
detachable AC power cord.

Our Product Research Team

At Crutchfield, you'll get detailed, accurate information that's hard to find elsewhere. That's because we have our own in-house Product Research team. They verify what’s in the box, check the owner's manual, and record dimensions, features and specs. We stay on top of new products and technologies to help people make informed choices.

Accessories

Q & A

Customer Q&A

Crutchfield askedWhy did you buy this?

previous experience with brand (excellent)
[ ARTHUR Sep 08, 2018 ]

Music Streamer with a good DAC
[ VINAY Aug 28, 2018 ]

To link to my also purchased vault for a separate system in the basement rec area.
[ DAVID Jul 16, 2018 ]

Sound quality reviews
[ R May 22, 2018 ]

Hifi streaming
[ Jerome Feb 19, 2018 ]

This is the second unit I am purchasing. First unit performs well with good streaming stability (significantly better than Airplay), solid DAC, and good software/app that accesses music from most streaming services. Tidal is especially good.
[ Andrew Feb 07, 2018 ]

Looking to upgrade the music options I have for my outdoor area and home.
[ Dean Jun 21, 2017 ]

I already own a Bluesound Vault 2, and wanted to add a second room to my system.
[ Bradley Jun 20, 2017 ]

MQA
[ David Jun 09, 2017 ]

This is an excellent replacement for the discontinued and way-less-reliable Logitech Squeezebox. It was a bit painful cost-wise but I just replaced all four of my Squeezeboxes with Node 2's. Their real-live-human tech support is fantastic too.
[ Jason May 23, 2017 ]

Wanted a high resolution streamer with integrated DAC and support for a wide variety of music sources.
[ Greg Mar 27, 2017 ]

heard it
[ John Mar 24, 2017 ]

Wanted a streaming HiRes solution that supports Tidal and MQA, this is the only solution today.
[ Lawrence Feb 04, 2017 ]

Full support for MQA and Tidal
[ William Jan 31, 2017 ]

Online Reviews
[ Carlton Jan 19, 2017 ]

MQA via TIDAL
[ James Jan 17, 2017 ]

I have several power node 2s and wanted this so that different sound systems throughout the house could communicate.
[ William Oct 30, 2016 ]

Going to run Tidal through this to mostly replace my CD collection, getting high resolution audio without having to buy a bunch of new stuff. Thanks.
[ Bruce Oct 26, 2016 ]

I am trying one Node 2 as potentially part of larger whole house order. But because of the fact that I read many of reviews about tough interface and frustrating technical support (combined with fact that I am going to be also installing NetGear WIFI and Extension - over my Verizon Fios...). I am a bit concerned I can make all this work - so I'll try one node and see how it goes.
[ Mark Jun 13, 2016 ]

It appears to be the lowest cost and highest quality streamer available. My main use will be to use it to stream Spotify and/or Tidal with my Parasound P-5/A21 equipment.
[ John Apr 06, 2016 ]

Streams Tidal
[ Bryan Dec 29, 2015 ]

Great sound. I heard this before.
[ Ed Sep 24, 2018 ]

The Bluesound Node 1 is an excellent and affordable streaming device (I own). Upgrading to the Node 2 so that I can use the digital coaxial out to a different DAC.
[ Neal Jun 29, 2018 ]

recommended by a friend
[ Ronald May 08, 2018 ]

I bought one of these a couple of months ago and am so happy with it I just purchased a second one.
[ Brad Mar 12, 2018 ]

Best sound quality for streaming music services
[ J Aug 06, 2017 ]

I purchased a Bluesound Minipulse speaker and have a Tidal subscription. The sound is beyond expectation for such a system. Then I heard the Bluesound node hooked up to a set of good speakers with good amplification and was startled by the quality. I think this is a great product.
[ Steven Jul 05, 2017 ]

18 questions already asked

You need to be clear about what you mean by "connect". You can connect using the RCA ananog wired outputs. You can connect using a wireless Bluetooth connection. Buy you cannot connect using a WiFi connection as the Bluesound syetem is proprietary.
Hope this helps.
[ David Jul 23, 2018 ]

It does not. Aside from streaming your own files, the options I see are TuneIn Radio, Groove (the Microsoft music service that is now defunct, though maybe Groove is still there because you can still stream your own files from Groove too), Radio Paradise, and Tidal. There's a thread on a Bluesound support board I just checked, and people have been asking for this since at least 2013. The most recent response--still no--was June 2017.
[ Christopher Jan 15, 2018 ]

You can use it either way. The app lets you control volume with a slider or you can fix the output and control volume with your pre-amp. And there are volume buttons on the top of the device. Lots of options!
I will say the digital volume control built into the Node 2 is one of the best ones ever put in a device. It's nearly perfect.
[ Mark Sep 23, 2017 ]

Depending on your settings volume can be controlled both ways. In the Audio section of the settings you have the option of fixed or variable audio output. With fixed, the volume is only controlled by your amp. Variable allows volume control thru the app and on the Node 2 box as well as your amp.
[ Doug Sep 23, 2017 ]

If you are using a pre-amp there is a setting where you can control the volume though the pre-amp.
[ MICHAEL Sep 22, 2017 ]

You can choose between both. Fixed or variable volume. It is easy and in the menu options.
[ Steven Sep 22, 2017 ]

You have the option of setting the output on your BlueSound player to fixed or variable. If you are connecting to a pre-amp the setting would normally be fixed and the volume control on the BlueSound app is disabled. In this case if you have an app available for your pre-amp you would use it or the volume control on the pre-amp or remote.. The Variable setting on the BlueSound player is for when you are connecting directly to an amp or powered speakers or maybe through an out board dac that doesn't have volume control.
[ John Sep 22, 2017 ]

Yes, absolutely. I use the built-in play lists functionality which lets me combine music from my personal collection and from my streaming service (tidal or groove music in my case) into single playlist. It also les me play existing m3u play lists from my storage device.. I have heard that you can edit those in bluesound controller, but i have never tried it. The internal play lists cannot be exported or otherwise used outside of the bluesound software, but they are available across devices if you happen to have more than one bluesound player.
[ Reeves Jul 02, 2017 ]

Hi, I am probably the worst person to ask. However, I believe it can be done. I am very happy just using the playlists I have in Tidal HiFi. Good luck.
[ John Jul 02, 2017 ]

Yes. It's one of the easiest and most intuitive things you can do with the app.
[ Richard Jul 02, 2017 ]

No. Gotta use Bluesound speakers--which are more than just speakers. They have the full functionality of the Node 2 built into them (Dac and processors) plus the drivers and an amp. You could actually use the speakers without the Node 2 and control via the app. There are less inputs/outputs on the speakers vs Node 2 so if you want to connect to a high end audio system get the Node 2.
If you could find an old 900mhz or 2.4 ghz wireless system you could run that off the Node2 outputs but the sound quality will not be as good as Bluesound speakers. AR used to make them, have not seen these in years sold new.
[ Mark Jun 26, 2017 ]

My answer is Yes...but my setup is not exactly as yours. My Node 2 is 'wired' to the home network and feeds my Media Room Onkyo Receiver. Songs are stored on a Networked Attached Storage Device. I access my music by using the PC app, or my iphone Bluesound app without any issues at all. I would assume it would work with your configuration as well.
[ Thomas May 01, 2017 ]

Yes. You can store your music on your PC. You install Bluesound controller for whichever device you have. I control mine from my iPhone, iPad and PC desktop.
[ Steven May 01, 2017 ]

Yes. The process is seamless if the PC and Node2 are on the same network.
[ Marcus Apr 30, 2017 ]

Hello, you made a wise decision looking at the node 2. I am using Thiel 3.6 speakers, classe CA 400 amp CP 45 preamp and the node 2. I use a PC or HTC 1 from my listening chair and able to make all streaming decisions I have available. I would recommend downloading app on ipad if wanting to use it as well. I have heard nothing better in my system and have been at this a long time. Bluesound customer support were very helpful and if you have further issues I would contact them. Regards Keith
[ MELISSA Apr 30, 2017 ]

Yes, just install the Bluesound app and you're ready to go. Best investment I have made in a long time, money well spent. Great sound and very versatile. Enjoy.
[ William H. Apr 30, 2017 ]

Yes. I have my songs on a hard drive attached to my router. I control the Bluesound on my Kindle Fire tablet, through their Android App. I also control my Marantz preamp through its Android App.
[ Craig A. Apr 30, 2017 ]

This unit does not have a built in amplifier so I do not see how it would work unless you routed the output through a headphone amplifier, and then to the transmitter.
[ Thomas Oct 14, 2016 ]

As far as I know, the Node 2 does not have the native capability to stream *from* that device *to* bluetooth enabled devices like headphones. I'm stating that based on a Bluesound support forum question answered in January 2016 plus my own understanding of the device. It does permit transmitting from an external device *to* the Node 2, and then of course out through whatever receiver/speaker system it's connected to. I've done this with my smartphone when playing a Groove Music playlist.
There is a workaround: The Node 2 has a headphone jack on the front--visible right below the Bluesound logo as shown here on Crutchfield--and there are headphone-jack bluetooth devices that can transmit as well as receive. It wouldn't be the prettiest or most convenient solution, but I can't think of any reason why it wouldn't work. Google bluetooth headphone jack transmitter and you'll find plenty of options.
[ Christopher Oct 14, 2016 ]

Yes, you hook them up exactly the same way you would a normal pair of headphones, but instead of hooking up the headphone cable you would hook up the headphone output of the Node 2 to the wireless transmitter. Enjoy the Node 2 it is a great piece of electronics.
[ William H. Oct 14, 2016 ]

Thanks for your question. For information on comparing two or more models I would recommend reaching out to an Advisor by phone (1-800-324-9695) or online chat. They will be able to help determine the differences and help you make the best choice for your system and your budget.
[ Kenny Oct 04, 2016 ] Staff

There is no Bluesound remote as of this writing. On Harmony remotes you'll have to check on their app/site if they have coded a particular remote for Bluesound. If Bluesound is not a choice under streaming devices your Harmony remote won't control it. There is a lot of variability in the Harmony line.
You can program the Node 2 to recognize basic commands from any IR remote. Play, pause, volume+-, mute, and presets. It's under settings in the BluOS app. They also recommend that you connect your TV optical out to the Node 2 optical in as a method of control.
So even if your Harmony remote does not have a Bluesound set of codes, you should be able to make it work for basic control.
[ Mark Sep 26, 2016 ]

Check your Harmony device compatibility lists. Personally I use it with the smartphone app which is likely to be more useful than the Harmony.
[ MICHAEL Sep 26, 2016 ]

Does it matter? The Node2 is controlled by the BluOS app for Apple and Android mobile phone platforms. I love my unit. You don't need to adjust volume or things like that (set and forget). Selecting music, creating playlists, etc. is all done via the BluOS app on your phone or tablet. It is a great experience.
The most important thing is to buy an upgraded C7 Power Cord (e.g. Pangea). That will make the sound significantly better than with the base power cord.
[ Steven Sep 26, 2016 ]

Not sure if it works with Harmony remote. The Node 2 works with any smartphone, tablet on Apple or Android operating system thru an app that is downloaded for the device. It is controlled by the app thru the wireless home network. It can also be controlled using a windows computer based app.
[ Zac Sep 26, 2016 ]

Thanks for your question. For information on comparing two or more models I would recommend reaching out to an Advisor by phone (1-800-324-9695) or online chat. They will be able to help determine the differences and help you make the best choice for your system and your budget.
[ Krissy Aug 16, 2016 ] Staff

It has limited functionality without an internet connection. You really have to control and configure it via the internet or at least a local network connection within your house. It does have an optical input and can receive content via Bluetooth but I think you would have to set all that up while on an internet connection and without internet connection the operating system may just not be workable. It does require frequent updates from the web to the app from Bluesound.
[ Mark Jul 22, 2016 ]

Without internet, yes, but you need a source for music (NAS, Drive, computer) and usually wifi to transmit.
Call the guys at Crutchfield....they help me set mine up and were terrific. Bluesound's own help center is good too....look up their discussion forum on the net (if you can)
[ JOHN Jul 19, 2016 ]

Yes, but you must connect it to your local network. Either wired or through Wi-fi. Be advised though that you will not be able to stream any of the online radio stations or services such as Spotify.
[ Steven Jul 19, 2016 ]

possibly, but you must have a local area network. I would contact Bluesound support directly with questions. They are very helpful.
[ Thomas Jul 19, 2016 ]

I've not tried this but I believe you can "map" the Bluesound to your playlist folders in Itunes. Mapping it to find my music on a MAC was quite challenging and I needed assistance from Bluesound technical support to do this. It is not as easy as the app for Squeezebox which can map to stuff on its own. You will need to be given a cheat sheet to get through the MAC operating system, which is so secure it makes it difficult to map to these files. Windows might be easier. In any case, contact Bluesound customer support from the website or from within the app. They are great and have lots of documentation they can share with you on how to do this stuff. My biggest issue with Bluesound is lack of documentation, they make up for that with responsive and helpful customer service. Sound quality is better than Sonos or Squeezebox and the processor is much better than the one in Squeezebox.
[ Mark Feb 09, 2016 ]

It will import .m3u playlists created by exporting an iTunes playlist. It does not appear to be able to read them directly from the iTunes library.
Just export a playlist from iTunes in the .m3u format to someplace within the same folder structure as your music files, and re-index.
[ Bryan Feb 09, 2016 ]

Yes, I also have a squeezebox Duo. The only thing the BlueSound won't do that the squeezebox will is stream Pandora content. The sound of the BlueSound Node 2 puts the Squeezebox to shame and is at least as good as the Cambridge Audio streamer I also have that cost 3X the BlueSound. The performance of the app which I use exclusively versus a remote is lightning fast compared to the Squeezebox or iPeng app or the CA Connect app.. I also use ITunes for importing content into a NAS storage devise. If my NAS ever quits I plan on replacing it with a BlueSound node. You didn't ask but if you use Spotify the Spotify connect app works perfectly with the BlueSound Node 2 as well. The BlueSound app will find your library, Idevices and you can setup any Streaming Service (except the aforementioned Pandora.) you may have to have easy access from the app. I like it when things work and this device way exceeded my expectations.
[ John Feb 08, 2016 ]

It only recognizes and imports .m3u playlists as far as I know.
[ David Feb 08, 2016 ]

Suggest you reach out to Bluesound. Their tech support is great. I believe the answer is yes but you can quickly ask them. I own two Node 2 and the streaming from my desktop Mac works very well.
[ TRACY L Feb 08, 2016 ]

Mike -- I'm still learning my way around the Node 2 and the accompanying Vault 2. I also never owned the previous generation (I am the previous owner of an Olive music system). So I can't be helpful. In fact, I'm going to send a bunch of questions your way soon about the Node 2 and the Vault 2, since the documentation is thin. Thanks.
[ R Jeffrey Sep 22, 2015 ]

Thanks for your question. For information on comparing two or more models I would recommend reaching out to an Advisor by phone (1-800-324-9695) or online chat. They will be able to help determine the differences and help you make the best choice for your system and your budget.
[ Krissy Sep 22, 2015 ] Staff

Yes. I used it with both a flash drive and a USB hard drive. However Bluesound encourages people to use wifi to stream music rather than an attached drive.
[ Herb Apr 20, 2017 ]

No. The USB ports do not supply enough power for most spinning hard drives. They will power a memory stick. This is a streaming box not a USB player--connect your hard drive to a computer or router on your network and Node 2 will index and stream the music just fine from there.
[ Mark Apr 20, 2017 ]

Bluesound's Generation 2 streaming products are all MQA compatible. Not sure what you would gain by passing stream through to an external DAC
[ tom Feb 16, 2017 ]

I've no idea...you need to ask one of the tech support guys on the Bluesound Discussion Board....they're great, knowledgeable, and answer you quickly.....good luck
[ JOHN Feb 15, 2017 ]

Go to the Bluesound Support Forum - there is a fair amount being discussed on this topic. I believe the answer is "kind of". Connecting an outboard DAC to the digital outs on the node will cause the Node's internal DAC to be bypassed. But the Node 2 does do some type of decoding of the MQA file in accordance with the MQA spec. Your MQA DAC should be able to then fully decode and play the file although I hear there are some issues with the Mytek DAC in this regard. However, the Node 2 DAC supports MQA on it's own so you might want to try that as well and see if you like the sound. I would contact Bluesound on all this just to be sure but I think I have it correct.
[ Ian Feb 15, 2017 ]

iTunes does not integrate into Bluesound as easily as it did in the Squeezeboxes. It can be done but most people have to get support from Bluesound. They are very helpful and prompt. But that is not the point! ITunes streams at a lower bit rate than Bluesound and Squeezebox are capable of streaming at. So you are not optimizing either player by using iTunes. If your music in iTunes is from Apple Music it can only be played on Apple devices so you would have to Bluetooth it to the Bluesound. Between the poor streaming rates and copywrite protection in the Apple world, I would recommend getting your music on a hard drive in Flac. This will allow the highest bit rate/optimal sound quality and easiest method of access from Bluesound.
[ Mark Aug 23, 2016 ]

Yes this is possible. Under settings in the BluOS you can choose whether the player runs in fixed or variable output volume mode. When you choose variable, a slider activates on the apps that lets you control the volume from the app. You can also limit the volume range in the BluOS settings which might be useful in this scenario.
The volume slider is on the lower right of my iOS app on my iPad. I think you will need to adjust the volume on your powered speakers to get them to a happy medium but once you do that the BlueOS will allow you to make volume adjustments.
You should also be able to adjust the volume from the buttons on the top of the Node2. These are backlighted and you can control their brightness or turn the backlights totally off from the BlueOS app.
So in this scenario the Node 2 can function as a preamp and your powered speakers are the amp and both could control the volume. Use the RCA analog out jacks to connect the Node 2 into your speakers.
[ Mark May 21, 2016 ]

Yes, you can control the volume thru the apps.
[ Mark May 21, 2016 ]

the node 2 supports Bluetooth and the app has volume control so assuming your speakers support Bluetooth it should work.
[ John May 20, 2016 ]

There should be no problem doing this. Take the audio outputs from the Node2 into the active monitors. The Bluesound app does control the output volume, and hence your monitor volume. Start with the monitor volume pretty soft and increase that end manually. Then the Bluesound will control volume.
[ Thomas May 20, 2016 ]

I Believe so. I use mine connected to a preamp so in my settings mode I choose Audio output level "Fixed". There is a choice for Audio output level "Variable" which when set the player to this mode will give a volume adjustment bar on your player app.
[ DONALD May 20, 2016 ]

As long as the active monitors have a standard right+left RCA input jack, that should work because the Bluesound app will let you adjust the volume (there is a setting to select either fixed volume or variable volume.)
[ David May 20, 2016 ]